Weight Loss and Your Friend “Mary”
by Alisa Daglio  Body Makeover Expert

     Most people who want to lose weight have a friend called “Mary.”  Mary has the perfect body, eats whatever she wants, and doesn’t gain a pound.  For the rest of us more work and self-discipline are required to attain our dream physiques.  Some people may try to copy the same diet that Mary has--with disastrous results!  The reason we all cannot be on the “Mary” diet and look like Mary is because every person is unique.  Genetic factors, hormones, body type, lifestyle, and medical conditions are just some of the factors to consider when constructing an appropriate weight loss program.  No two people are the same and therefore should not eat the same foods and expect the same results.  There are some steadfast rules on the road to weight loss, but in order to obtain the maximum benefit from a nutritional plan, customization of foods is key!

     Each individual is an inimitable entity.  Every person requires adapted portion quantities and personalized combinations of food in order to turn the body into a fat burning machine. Some people have ectomorphic body types (lean, lightly muscled, and thin) with fast metabolisms (like Mary).  These individuals have the capability to consume whatever they want, and rarely gain weight.  If you adopt this eating style chances are good that you will produce a larger version of yourself.  A healthy and beneficial weight reduction program must contain foods that are preservative free and rich in nutrients.  In order to create a positive biochemical process in the body, water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals all need to be manipulated according to the individual need.  Eating the right combination of nutrient dense foods throughout the day is the ideal way to make our bodies burn fat efficiently.

     Still, there are those who believe that if they consume half of what Mary eats they will have to look great--by default!  Unfortunately, this is a complete falsehood. Common sense tells us that 600 calories from bread, candy bars, and French fries, will not metabolize in the same way as 600 calories derived from cucumber, oatmeal, and lean fish.  Cutting calories derived from crappy foods ‘in half’ is not the solution.  Once again, eating nutrient dense preservative free real foods (not boxed) is the ideal.  Radically cutting calories will often change homeostasis within the body.  Your body will go into “starvation mode” and hold on to body fat as a means of protection.  This explains why some people only eat one meal per day and still remain obese. 

     Instead of cutting calories, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day, and drink 100oz of water.  Utilizing a nutritional program based on protein-sparing (body gains muscle as you drop weight) is an additional way to fast track your weight loss.  Instead of burning protein as a fuel source, protein sparing focuses on burning carbohydrates. Your body is then able to get rid of body fat and develop lean muscle tissue at the same time. This method increases your resting metabolic rate and allows your body to access the energy stores known as fat to get you through your day!

     Remember that just because Mary is skinny and looks amazing does not mean that she is healthy!  The effects of not eating properly will take an eventual toll on the body--even if the results are not visible from the outside. Heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and other adverse conditions affect thin people who adopt the same lifestyle as the obese.

What does this mean for you and Mary’s friendship? Can you still have lunch together?  Absolutely!  Just order wisely, and let Mary pick up the check!